HEALTH EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

Updated December 5, 2022

Health education scholarships are offered nationwide to encourage more aspiring educators to focus their teaching skills in helping people stay physically fit and prevent disease. Nearly 30% of American children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight and Type 2 Diabetes in youth has risen 45% over the last decade. Therefore, there's a strong ...

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Health education scholarships are offered nationwide to encourage more aspiring educators to focus their teaching skills in helping people stay physically fit and prevent disease.

Nearly 30% of American children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight and Type 2 Diabetes in youth has risen 45% over the last decade. Therefore, there's a strong demand for qualified health educators to teach elementary, middle, and high school students about proper nutrition and exercise for optimal wellness.

Outside of schools, health education degree holders can also find ample job opportunities in promoting public health as health educators, community health workers, dance therapists, athletic trainers, nutritionists, exercise physiologists, and more.

If you're ready to start a rewarding career positively influencing the health of individuals and communities, below are 20 great scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students in health education.

1. Barbara A. Cooley Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Sponsored by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), the Barbara A. Cooley Scholarship is awarded annually for $1,000 to deserving graduate students who are currently enrolled in a master's degree program for health education. Eligible candidates must be attending an accredited university in the United States, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and exhibit a strong career commitment to health education. Applications must include a current curriculum vitae, an official transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a three-part narrative statement discussing applicants' goals as professional health education specialists.

Contact

Barbara A. Cooley Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3400

Scholarship Link

2. Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: November 15th

Also granted through the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), the Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship is designed to provide $1,000 annually to a sophomore, junior, or senior-level college student currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in health education. Qualified applicants must be attending an accredited university in the United States or a U.S. territory, maintain full-time enrollment, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.25, be actively involved in health education-related activities, and show evidence of leadership potential. All candidates will be asked to write a 450-word essay describing what attributes and aspirations brought them to the field of health education.

Contact

Bill Kane Undergraduate Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3400

Scholarship Link

3. CANFIT Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 31st

Each year, the CANFIT Scholarship Program is available for undergraduate and graduate students in California who are pursuing a degree related to nutrition, health education, physical education, public health, dietetics, or culinary arts at a WASC-accredited institution. Eligible minority students of African American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic descent must come from low-income communities, have completed at least 50 college credits, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, and exhibit financial need. For consideration, applicants must submit a personal letter, financial status form, two recommendations, an official transcript, and a 1,000-word essay explaining how they'll work to change community health.

Contact

CANFIT Scholarship Program
2140 Shattuck Avenue Suite 1110
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-1533

Scholarship Link

4. Christie's Foundation Health Education Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

Since 1996, Christie's Foundation has given Health Education Scholarships to provide up to $125,000 annually in funding to dozens of students currently enrolled full-time in an approved health-related education program at the certificate, associate, bachelor, or graduate degree level. Qualified candidates must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have earned an SAT score of 1325 or above, possess work and/or volunteer experience in healthcare, and demonstrate leadership potential through letters of reference. This scholarship program is only open to students who have graduated high school from Champaign, DeWitt, Douglas, Ford, Iroquois, Moultrie, Piatt, or Vermilion counties in East Central Illinois.

Contact

Christie's Foundation Health Education Scholarships
101 West University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 366-1280

Scholarship Link

5. Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 31st

Through the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), the Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually for at least $1,000 to graduating high school seniors and current college students who are pursuing a degree in physical education, health education, sports science, kinesiology, or recreation management. Eligible applicants must be accepted to an accredited Texas college, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, take at least 12 credits per semester, rank in the top quarter of their class, and be actively involved in volunteer and/or work activities related to athletics. Preference will be given to candidates who wish to contribute to the field of parks and recreation service upon graduation.

Contact

Dan Whitworth Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 1789
Georgetown, TX 78627
(512) 863-9400

Scholarship Link

6. Delbert Oberteuffer Doctoral Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

In the amount of $1,500, the Delbert Oberteuffer Doctoral Scholarship is presented each year by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) to doctoral-level students who are currently enrolled in a health education program in the United States or an American territory. Eligible candidates must have completed at least six credits hours of doctoral study, display academic achievement, be planning a career in school health education, and demonstrate potential to advance the health of children and youth. Application packets must include a current resume or curriculum vitae, an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and a narrative statement addressing the applicants' research interests.

Contact

Delbert Oberteuffer Doctoral Scholarship
10 G Street NE Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9804

7. Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Scholarship

Deadline: December 15th

Administered by the Hawaii Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (HAHPERD), the Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded for $1,250 annually to junior or senior-level students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching health, physical education, dance, or recreation. Qualified applicants must be attending a teacher education program in Hawaii, carry a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester, possess a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above, and provide evidence of teaching potential. Funds can be used to cover registration, travel, and housing fees for attending the SHAPE America National Convention or the Southwest District AAHPERD Convention.

Contact

Delores M. Curtis Undergraduate Scholarship
2720 Kamanaki Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 845-7434

Scholarship Link

8. Frances A. Mays Scholarship

Deadline: October 1st

Through the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (VAHPERD), the Frances A. Mays Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to a deserving undergraduate student entering their senior year in a bachelor's degree program for health education, physical education, recreation, or dance. To qualify, candidates must have been enrolled at a Virginia university for three years, have VAHPERD membership, and exhibit the professional ethics for which Mays was admired for. Application forms must be completed and accompanied by one letter of reference before being returned to the chair of the committee.

Contact

Frances A. Mays Scholarship
7812 Falling Hill Terrace
Chesterfield, VA 23832

Scholarship Link

9. Gibson-Laemel Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 15th

As part of the Connecticut Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CTAHPERD), the Gibson-Laemel Scholarship Fund has been established to provide $1,000 each academic year to an outstanding junior or senior-level undergraduate student who has declared a major in health education, physical education, recreation, or dance. Eligible recipients must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.7, have CTAHPERD membership, be Connecticut residents, and attend an accredited U.S. institution full-time. Along with the completed application, candidates must submit an unofficial transcript, two professional letters of recommendation, and a 350-word statement expressing their vocational objectives.

Contact

Gibson-Laemel Scholarship Fund
1389 Neipsic Road
Glastonbury, CT 06033
(860) 652-7858

10. Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award

Deadline: April 15th

Annually, the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD) proudly offers the Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award for $1,000 to one male and one female undergraduate student currently pursuing an accredited bachelor's degree in health education, physical education, recreation, or dance. Applicants must be enrolled at a New York State university, have at least junior status, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be current members, and exhibit exceptional interest and involvement in their chosen field. In addition to the scholarship funding, recipients will receive an expense-paid trip to the Eastern District Conference.

Contact

Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award
77 North Ann Street
Little Falls, NY 13365
(315) 823-1015

Scholarship Link

11. Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Award

Deadline: December 1st

Offered through the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD), the Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Award is granted for $1,000 each year to four junior or senior-level students who are majoring in health education, physical education, dance education, recreation, sport administration, and other allied fields. All applicants must be attending an Indiana university full-time, be enrolled in an accredited bachelor's degree program, and write a brief statement describing their post-graduation plans. Recipients will be chosen based on their academic record, financial need, recommendations, participation in collegiate activities, and professional potential.

Contact

Jean Lee and Jeff Marvin Collegiate Award
2007 Wilno Drive
Marion, IN 46952
(765) 664-8319

Scholarship Link

12. Marion B. Pollock Fellowship

Deadline: January 15th

As the global leader for health promotion, the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) has created the Marion B. Pollock Fellowship to award $3,000 annually for talented health teachers in elementary, middle, and high schools nationwide who are pursuing graduate study in health education at the master's level. Qualified candidates must be enrolling in an accredited university in the United States or an American territory, have completed at least six credit hours, exhibit two or more years of teaching experience, and show a clear commitment to advancing their practices in school health education for improved youth health.

Contact

Marion B. Pollock Fellowship
10 G Street NE Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9804

13. Robert Hampton Scholarship Award

Deadline: May 3rd

Ranging in value from $1,000 to $2,000 each year, the Robert Hampton Scholarship Award is presented through the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (SCAHPERD) to full-time undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree in health education, physical education, recreation, or dance. Candidates must be at least second semester juniors, have completed 75 college credits, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have significant financial need, and serve as a positive role model for the profession. Members can apply by submitting a typewritten application form with two references and a short personal statement describing their career goals.

Contact

Robert Hampton Scholarship Award
4810 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203
(803) 786-3384
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14. Robert M. Pate Student Scholarship

Deadline: October 25th

Sponsored by the Eastern District of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE), the Robert M. Pate Student Scholarship is given annually for $1,000 to undergraduate students currently pursuing a degree in health education or physical education in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, or the Virgin Islands. Applicants must have at least junior class standing, be current SHAPE America members, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, and be actively involved in professionally relevant activities. Selection will be based on academic achievement, community service, professionalism, and character.

Contact

Robert M. Pate Student Scholarship
6 Ascoli Drive
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 269-1530

Scholarship Link

15. Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship

Deadline: October 15th

In honor of the past SHAPE America President from 1954 to 1956, the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship is awarded annually to provide $1,250 to undergraduate students and $1,750 to graduate students who are majoring in the field of health education, physical education, recreation, or dance. Qualified applicants must be at least juniors, have one semester of full-time study remaining, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, attend an accredited university within the United States, and show evidence of leadership potential. Applications must be accompanied by verification of enrollment, three letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and a short biographical sketch.

Contact

Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship
1900 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191
(703) 476-3400

Scholarship Link

16. Shelly Fuller Health Education Scholarship

Deadline: January 6th

Established by the Health Education Association of Utah (HEAU) in honor of the former board member who died in 1996 from complications related to cancer, the Shelly Fuller Health Education Scholarship is distributed for $500 to undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time in an approved health education program. Qualified candidates must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be actively involved in community health activities, show leadership capabilities in student-led professional organizations, and have current HEAU membership. Funds can be used to cover tuition and fees at Brigham Young University, the University of Utah, Utah State University, or Weber State University.

Contact

Shelly Fuller Health Education Scholarship
P.O. Box 2337
Salt Lake City, UT 84110
(801) 598-8662

Scholarship Link

17. THOA New Teacher Scholarship

Deadline: March 1st

Through the Texas Health Occupations Association, the THOA New Teacher Scholarship is awarded each year for $500 to provide financial assistance to new health science teachers who are in pursuit of continuing professional development in higher education. Eligible applicants must be current THOA members, have completed a maximum of two years of teaching health science, have successfully completed the first two modules required for certification, and show exemplary teaching potential. Applications must include a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and a one-page essay describing how the scholarship will assist in financing educational goals in health science teaching.

Contact

THOA New Teacher Scholarship
18 Drifting Wind Run
Austin, TX 78738

Scholarship Link

18. Tobin Sorenson Scholarship Program

Deadline: April 1st

Through the Pi Lambda Theta Honor Society, the Tobin Sorenson Scholarship Program is hosted annually to award $1,000 to outstanding students who are pursuing careers at the K-12 level as physical education teachers, health educators, coaches, recreational therapists, dance instructors, or other professionals focused on teaching children about the human body. Eligible candidates must have sophomore standing or higher, enroll full-time in a regionally accredited institution, have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, display leadership potential, be actively involved in physical/athletic extra-curricular activities, and be supported by two letters of reference.

Contact

Tobin Sorenson Scholarship Program
320 West Eighth Street Suite 216
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 339-1156

Scholarship Link

19. Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship

Deadline: July 31st

Administered by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), the Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship is awarded for $1,500 annually to two undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in health education, community health education, public health education, or school health education. To qualify, applicants must be national SOPHE members, excel academically with a minimum GPA of 3.5, be enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, have completed at least one-third of their major's coursework, and display a clear commitment to addressing the public's health through a career in health education.

Contact

Vivian Drenckhahn Student Scholarship
10 G Street NE Suite 605
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 408-9804

20. Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship

Deadline: December 31st

With the goal of promoting active and healthy lifestyles, the Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship was created by the California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (CAHPERD) to award $1,000 annually. This scholarship is reserved for the highest ranked applicants who are pursuing a degree in health education, physical education, recreation, dance, or a closely related field at a California university. Eligible recipients must have completed at least 60 college credits, have junior or senior-level undergraduate status, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, have CAHPERD membership for 30 days, and exhibit an enthusiasm for helping others boost their fitness.

Contact

Winifred Van Hagen/Rosalind Cassidy Scholarship
1501 El Camino Avenue Suite 3
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 922-3596

Scholarship Link

If you've received the calling to utilize your passion for teaching to educate children, adolescents, or adults about healthy lifestyle choices, then a degree in health education is a great first step. Since tuition prices likely won't be falling any time soon, you'll need to depend on various sources of financial aid to reduce the costly burden of your degree. Luckily, these are just 20 of the best health education scholarships available to help you achieve your career aspirations with little student loan debt.

See also: Top 14 Cheap Online Health Studies and Health Education Degree Programs (Bachelor's)

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